For the uncoordinated among us, simple tasks like hammering a nail can be pretty harrowing. Weblog DIY Life has a simple tip for keeping your thumbs safe—just hold the nail with some needlenose pliers.

We do a lot of DIY around here, and when it comes to fixing up anything in your home, you're probably going to have to hammer a few nails. This trick is so simple, I'm shocked we didn't think of it before—especially with all the bruised thumbs I've had over the years. Just hold the nail with your pliers, hammer it in enough to get it stable, and then finish the job.

Of course, if you don't have any needlenose pliers handy, there are a ton of other ways to get the job done. You could use a mousepad or packing peanuts, but if you don't have those around either (I know I sure as heck don't), DIYer Danny Lipford shares a few other tricks using household objects you probably do have—namely, a piece of cardboard or a pencil eraser. If you've got any of your own methods, of course, feel free to share them in the comments.